Electrical Stimulation System Motor Point Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) systems face challenges in accurately identifying motor points for effective muscle stimulation, leading to poor compliance and treatment efficiency due to variation in electrode positioning between individuals and over time, requiring manual expertise that is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A controller and ES system with an electrode array and sensors that selectively operate in motor point scan and stimulation modes, using different voltage measurements and sensor feedback to identify and stimulate motor points, allowing for precise muscle contraction and increased blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual motor point identification by physiotherapists is used, then treatment quality can be maintained, but treatment compliance and accessibility deteriorate due to lack of expertise and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform motor point identification themselves through automated scanning algorithms that test multiple electrode positions and identify optimal locations based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual physiotherapist intervention while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motor point scanning and identification before actual stimulation treatment, automatically mapping optimal electrode positions in advance so that subsequent therapy sessions can begin immediately without requiring manual positioning expertise
2Device complexity
If fixed electrode positions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to individual variation in motor point locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed electrode positions to dynamic adaptive positioning, where the controller automatically scans through multiple electrode positions and identifies optimal locations based on real-time sensor feedback from each user's motor points
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of electrode positioning by testing different voltage measurements across multiple electrode positions and selecting the configuration that produces the desired muscle response, adapting to individual anatomical variations
3Use of energy by moving object
If non-motor point electrodes are used for stimulation, then energy consumption increases, but muscle contraction effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor feedback to detect muscle response at each electrode position during scanning, identifying motor points where minimal energy produces maximal contraction, and uses this feedback to guide subsequent low-energy stimulation at the identified optimal positions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances treatment compliance and efficiency by accurately targeting motor points, reducing energy consumption, and improving muscle contraction and blood flow, while being adaptable to individual variations and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode array of a plurality of electrodes for applying an electrical stimulation to a muscle
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors for detecting a response of the muscle to said electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a controller for providing and receiving signalling to and from at least one electrical stimulation, ES, system, comprising an electrode array for applying an electrical stimulation to a muscle and one or more sensors for detecting a response of the muscle; the ES system is configured to selectively operate the electrode array in one of a motor point scan mode or a stimulation mode, wherein: in the motor point scan mode a plurality of scan measurements are taken between different pairs of electrodes; and based on measurement signalling of each scan measurement, the controller is configured to identify a first stimulation electrode and a second stimulation electrode; and in the stimulation mode a plurality of stimulation signals are applied to the first and second stimulation electrodes to provide for contraction of the muscle.